Where Are They Now?
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: I am a senior at Mercyhurst University. I am currently completing my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and I also carry minors in History and Political Science. I have been fortunate enough to be placed on the Dean’s List my first three years, as well as maintaining membership with the Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society. Along with that, I also serve as President of Mercyhurst’s Alpha Phi Sigma chapter, the national honors society for Criminal Justice. I have maintained this position for the last two years after being elected at the end of my sophomore year. Finally, I have been a member of the Mercyhurst Club hockey program throughout my time in college. I was named captain midway through my sophomore year, and last year our team clinched the league championship for our conference.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I have two amazing parents, Dan and Gayle, who have taught me how to succeed and lead in the adult world. My sister Karen is a Bio-behavioral health/Pre-med major at Penn State University. My brother Aidan is a senior at Seneca Valley and plans to major in Engineering with a preference for aeronautical. Our family also includes three dogs: Tess, Finn and Tucker.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: Someone might be surprised to know that I spent this past summer working an internship in Washington, D.C.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: In terms of my personal life, Seneca Valley gave me the opportunity to fail, learn from those failures and ultimately discover how a person can truly succeed. Whether that be regarding friends, relationships or just general struggles, Seneca Valley allowed me to grow along my own pathway. Professionally, Seneca Valley also helped me to prepare for life in the business world. Career development, which I took senior year, provided me with resume advice, interview tips and a wealth of other knowledge I still use today.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: Seneca Valley is a special place to both learn and grow because of the mindset instilled by teachers and administrators. Seneca Valley gives each student the opportunity to learn in their own way, and presents them with a host of activities/sports to pursue. At the same time, although we have this freedom, the entire school structure recognizes the necessity of a non-disruptive learning environment. By combining these two elements, the school becomes a place that is safe, easy to navigate, enjoyable to be in and conducive to success in one’s education.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: I have two teachers that were my favorites at SV. The first is Ms. Langley, who taught me AP (Advanced Placement) Statistics my junior year. I still wonder what class would have been like if not for virtual learning during COVID-19, as I would have been the only student remaining in the final weeks after the seniors graduated. The second is Miss Thomas! Although I know she has since married and thus changed her name, the memory of sharing excitement with each other every day still brings warm feelings to my heart. I hope both these amazing women have continued to find happiness since my time at the school.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: One memory that sticks out for me is winning the Keith Anger Leadership Award as a junior for the Seneca Valley Inline Hockey Association. This award is presented to one junior each season who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice. At this point in my life, I had come to recognize that I could be a leader, but I had not figured out how to present myself as one in the most effective way possible. Winning this award opened my eyes to the potential I held, and through multiple opportunities in both the workplace and school over the following years, I have been blessed to maximize that potential.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: Never underestimate the influence that you have on a student(s). Some will naturally be troublesome or inattentive, but recognizing whose life you can truly change is vital. Schooling and career decisions can be changed because of one’s experience in a particular classroom, and that is truly something special.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: I wish others recognized how rare a school like Seneca Valley is today. Not only are we fortunate to live in a relatively safe area with a population that recognizes the cruciality of education, but we also are a part of a district that does not rest on its laurels. I visited the new Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School two summers ago during my internship with the Cranberry Twp. Police Department. It amazed me how advanced much of that building is compared to my experiences within the last 15 years. Not many children get to experience this kind of modernization. I find it important for the students and their faculty to embrace this opportunity, and recognize what it can provide them.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: Currently, I am in my third year at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland studying Neuroscience. I have assisted in research studies such as long-term COVID cases in vulnerable populations and lung cancer biomarker review as well as volunteering at the Evidence-Based Early Diagnosis medical conference. I like to balance my studies with exercising on the triathlon team and traveling throughout Europe.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I have a twin sister, Eva, who is at Virginia Tech and a younger brother, Liam, who is a senior at Seneca Valley and applying to colleges. My mother owns a small business in Zelienople and my father is a civil engineer. Both my parents are very supportive, and I learn so much from them. I miss my family very much when I am away, but we FaceTime so much that I don’t miss out on too much.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: Someone might be surprised to know that I have lived in Scotland before. My family lived here when I was 7-12 years old because my dad was building a bridge in Edinburgh. We lived in a small town called Dollar in the foothills of the Ochils – that’s part of the reason that I came back here to study.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: Seneca Valley has a wide range of opportunities that I felt I could explore my interests through. Socially and scholastically, I grew a lot through experiences I had on the cross-country team, swim team, student council and student government.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: Seneca Valley is a special place to learn and grow because it offers amazing opportunities for students to challenge themselves. From rigorous AP (Advanced Placement) classes to competitive sports teams, there’s always a chance to push your limits. The supportive environment and diverse programs ensure that everyone can find their path.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: My favorite teacher was Mr. Durst from the Ryan Gloyer Middle School Bobcats team in seventh grade. He was both my homeroom and science teacher. His class was always so much fun - from events like salsa day to our everyday mornings when he played the song "Easy Street" in homeroom—it still gets stuck in my head sometimes!
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: One of my favorite memories from Seneca Valley was making the swim team my junior year. Coming from a triathlon background, I only knew front crawl and had failed to make the team the year before. I spent the next year training in club sessions with younger, faster swimmers, pushing myself to improve. When I finally made the team, I really understood just how much hard work and perseverance can help me reach my goals. Even more special, that was the year the Aquatic Center opened!
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: One message I have for teachers would be thank you very much for all of your work. I appreciate how much you care for us as students, and it is helpful to be learning in such a supportive environment.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: I wish other people knew how talented the kids are at SV. Many of my friends have strengths in many different areas. Seneca Valley is a place that lets these strengths grow in opportunities of arts, STEM, sports and leadership.
Major David Harris, SV ‘05, has been in the United States Marine Corps for over 15 years and has been a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot since 2013. He is currently preparing to deploy to East Africa to serve as a staff Air Operations Officer with a Special Forces Task Force. He has nearly 1,500 hours of flight time and holds every available tactical flight leadership and instructor qualification! Mr. Harris has served on four continents both as a Naval Aviator and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller. During his decorated career, he spent time stationed in Japan with a specialized liaison unit; worked with members of the Dutch, British, Norwegian, German, Spanish, Canadian, Korean and Taiwanese militaries; and served with members of the US Navy, Air Force, Army and Special Forces.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: I am happily married to my wife Jami, from Akron, OH. We met in choir at Mount Union College and have been married for over 14 years. We have two bright and talented children, Georgia (11) and Cooper (7) whom she has been homeschooling since we moved to Japan in 2019.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: I hold the Guinness World Record for most sporting events flown over in a single continuous flight path (Charlotte, NC 2018)!
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: First and foremost, if it weren’t for my involvement in the music programs—starting with elementary music with Ms. Agostinelli; choir at Haine with Ms. Ewing; then with Ms. Keefer in middle school; Ms. Alexander in the IHS; and Mr. Magill, Mr. Matchett, and Mr. Armstrong in the SHS—I wouldn’t have developed the love for music that led me to Mount Union, where I met my wife and began my career as a U.S. Marine. Music has profoundly shaped every aspect of my life—personally, professionally, socially, and academically. I truly can't imagine where I'd be without the exceptional arts programs in Seneca Valley. The joy of collaborating to create something beautiful, something greater than the sum of its parts, is one of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had. SV athletics also played a significant role in shaping who I am today. The lessons I learned from wrestling, track and field, and cross-country have been invaluable. These experiences have directly influenced my career as a U.S. Marine Officer and my personal life as a husband and father. It’s just as important to experience losing as it is winning. These experiences teach you resilience and dedication—lessons that many young adults often struggle to learn the hard way as they begin their professional lives.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: Seneca Valley is special because of the rich history, morals and values that the Raider Nation was founded on. During my time there, teachers took immense pride in shaping students into good citizens above all else. The school was large enough to offer great resources yet never so big that students got lost in the crowd. A unique aspect was the impartiality in classrooms—we were encouraged to think critically, equipped with the tools to form our own opinions, rather than being told what to think. As I’ve lived all over the country, I’ve become painfully aware that this kind of environment is increasingly hard to find, and I sincerely hope it still thrives at Seneca Valley.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: That’s a tough one! I had some fantastic history teachers–Mr. Herb MrCracken was one of them. I was in Mr. Macedonia’s class as 9/11 unfolded and his words that day haven’t faded in my mind in the slightest. Mr. George Trew and Mr. Jeff Wilhelm were two of the best science teachers I ever had. I use things Mrs. Thompson taught me in honors geometry almost every time I fly and I’ll always remember how well she handled my ADHD behavior in the classroom. Dr. Vaughn Bicehouse taught me everything I know about government; Mr. Jeff Hanlon taught me everything I know about economics; Haine Elementary third grade teacher Mrs. Miller was my first teacher when we moved to the district in 1995. All of the music teachers I had were fantastic but especially Mr. Bob Matchett. I only got to take one class with him and it made me regret not being involved in band during high school.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: When the leaves turn, I get nostalgic for Pie Fest, the Fall Festival and parade, football games, following the marching band in and out of the stadium, crunchy leaves out on the nature trails during cross-country practice and reconnecting with friends after the summer. Other fond memories that stand out are choir trips, the school musical, track meets and study halls spent in the music wings of the secondary campus.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: If I had one message for teachers or staff, it would be this: Please uphold the fundamental values that our country is built on – it’s what made this the greatest country in history. Work to maintain a neutral stance in your teaching, free from biases or personal agendas. It's essential to create an environment where critical thinking is encouraged, avoiding the pitfalls of conforming to popular opinions. Inspire students to think independently and question the information presented to them, fostering a generation of thoughtful and informed individuals. Thank you for your dedication to education and for nurturing the minds of tomorrow.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: Seneca Valley is truly a hidden gem. The sense of community here is strong, and the commitment to both academic excellence and personal growth creates an environment where students can really thrive. The teachers are passionate, and the resources are fantastic. It’s a place that perfectly balances a rich history with modern innovation. The value placed on arts and music is particularly special. There is overwhelming evidence and research linking arts programs
with success in life, demonstrating that students involved in the arts tend to excel academically and develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. More than just a school district, it’s a community that genuinely cares about nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.
Justin Graham, SV ‘14, is currently stationed in Germany as an AH64 Apache Pilot for the United States Army. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and has used all that he learned at Seneca Valley to help him accomplish his “lifetime goal” of becoming a pilot at the age of 28. Despite spending time in other career fields, Mr. Graham encourages and reminds readers that “there is always time as long as you keep focused and dedicated to what you want to do in your life.”
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: SV helped facilitate and motivate me to attend college and pursue the military and my ultimate goal of becoming a pilot.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: The amount of variety in teaching and staff members in terms of knowledge, perspective and life lessons really made it easy to find leaders and mentors that had positively affected me in my younger years. The campus had much to offer in terms of clubs, sports and interests.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: First Sergeant Angelo Lettiere of the SV JROTC program and Mr. Dan McKosky of the Video Production class were
both huge influences in both my career and multimedia-related hobbies. Both encouraged and inspired me to continue with my passions and develop skills to help me for the future.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: One of my favorite moments was a field trip to the city of Pittsburgh for video production. It was an extremely valuable moment to be given the freedom to record video and edit it in a way we wanted. Also, competing in the JROTC Marksmanship team after school helped me develop skills I still use to this day.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: Everyone has different interests and goals in life. It is important to encourage young people to not give up on those things. Ask the students what interests them and push them towards things that can help them achieve their ultimate goals.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: That it is what you make of it. Even to this day, there are things I miss and wish I could relive. Use your time to help yourself and help your peers, and don’t let personal indifferences affect your day.
Q: Catch us up. Tell us what you’re doing today:
A: After spending five years living in central PA for grad school and work, I'm now back in Pittsburgh. But it has been a pretty hectic year since moving back. My wife and I got married in October 2023 and bought a house in McCandless that same month. Then, we rescued a puppy (Australian Shepherd mix) in January, and he's been crazy since the day we brought him home. Now, we're finally trying to settle into our new life. Last summer, I started my new job as an environmental engineer at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Working for the state has been a very nice change of pace from the grueling hours in the private engineering sector, and I love being able to use my engineering skills to work to protect our natural resources. I work in the Borough of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, so most of my work revolves around projects that impact streams and rivers (bridges, dams, etc.) and stormwater management facilities for new developments.
Q: Please share with us some information about your family.
A: As I mentioned in the previous answer, I married my wife, Maddie, last October. We met at Westminster College in 2018 and have been together ever since. Since we met at Westminster, we decided to get married there at the Wallace Memorial Chapel. I have two younger brothers, Nick (25) and Danny (13). Nick is in vet school at Ohio State. Danny is in eighth grade at Ryan Gloyer Middle School. My parents, Bill and Beth, are still living in Cranberry Township. The best part about returning to Pittsburgh is being close to family again.
Q: What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
A: For people who might have known me while I was at Seneca Valley, I'm very similar to the person I was in high school. I still love fishing, the outdoors and math, and in my free time enjoy playing recreational sports, video games and fantasy football. I became more outgoing and social in college, for sure, though. Maybe the most surprising thing would be that I got into weightlifting and put on some muscle. In high school, I was a skinny, long-distance runner who could barely do a pushup. And while I'm not bulky, I bet the fact that I lift at all would surprise some people.
Q: How did Seneca Valley help you become the person you are today, both personally and professionally?
A: Because Seneca Valley is such a large district, there are so many opportunities to meet new people, enroll in a variety of classes, and find different sports/clubs/activities that fit your interests. As a young kid, I was very shy. But, as I went through the school system, I was slowly brought out of my shell by meeting new friends and partaking in things like track and field, basketball, chorus and the Envirothon club. By taking the more advanced math and science classes that were offered to us in high school, I was able to build
a strong knowledge base (and carry over some credits) going into college.
Q: What do you think makes Seneca Valley such a special place to learn and grow?
A: Besides what I mentioned above, I think the teachers and staff really care about their students and enjoy seeing them succeed, both in the classroom and outside of it. I had some truly amazing teachers over the years who did a great job balancing learning with support and time for fun and jokes. The school buildings always felt like a positive environment that made you feel comfortable.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher/coach/SV staff member?
A: This is a tough question as there were SO many... but I'll go way back to first grade with Mrs. Richard. Like I said, I was a very shy kid back then and she was the first one to truly engage with me and begin to pull me out of my shell. She was such
a great teacher and excelled at balancing learning and fun. Though it was long ago, I still have many fond and funny memories from moments in her class.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Seneca Valley? We’d encourage you to recall a moment or event that had a particularly strong influence on your life.
A: It has to be when I gave my chorus announcement in seventh grade. Ms. Keefer selected me to do a reading introducing the song "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" at our Christmas concert. I was always energetic and expressive in chorus class, so I assume that's why she thought I'd be a good fit for this task. I gave the short speech to the audience and everyone in the fully packed auditorium was suddenly on their feet cheering for at least a minute, which isn't usually what happens after a song intro. It was crazy! After that, it was like everyone (students and teachers) in the school suddenly knew who I was. Tons of people I had never spoken to before were coming up to me and saying hello. It was very cool. The transition from sixth grade, where the student body is separated into different schools, to everyone together in the same school in seventh grade, can be tough. But, this moment helped me make that transition and meet many new people that would be influential in the rest of my time at Seneca Valley.
Q: If you had one message for teachers or staff, what would it be?
A: Things have changed a ton since I went to SV with the influx in technology and remote learning. I've seen it firsthand with my little brother Danny. I would say to embrace these changes and don't try to fight them. The entire world is becoming more technology-driven every day (for better or worse), so students should be prepared for this in school before they get thrown into the "real world." Having a foundation on how to utilize technology and work with it will likely be imperative to a successful adult life in the future. As many of us know and have experienced,
it is much easier to learn this when you are exposed to it at a young age. I know it's been a very tough transition on the teachers' end, but I think it is necessary and will be well worth it in setting up the students for success in life.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about Seneca Valley?
A: This is a tough question because I think Seneca Valley has a great reputation already from people outside of the district. People from around the Pittsburgh area that I meet and find out I went to school there always seem to be impressed, for lack of a better word. Maybe the answer to this question is regarding its size. Everyone sees Seneca Valley as this massive school, which is true. However, the classes are fairly small and quite personal which makes for excellent learning opportunities. So, you get the benefits of a large school, as I've discussed previously, but also have manageable class sizes and a great student-to-teacher ratio.